Superintendent to retire

Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James E. Wilcox on Monday tendered his notice of retirement to the district’s board of trustees. It will take effect on December 31.
Wilcox came to Longview from Waxahachie ISD in April, 2007. Though many new academic and career and technology programs were established under his watch, the highlight of Wilcox’s tenure was a $267 million bond election that brought seven new elementary campuses, three new middle school campuses and extensive improvements at Longview High School. Wilcox also oversaw the district rezoning – reducing the previous 28 attendance zones to six – which paved the way for a federal court to relax a 40-year-old desegregation order.
“I’m pleased to have been a part of the best school district east of I-45,” Wilcox said. “This is bittersweet, as I have loved every day in Longview ISD.”
Wilcox said he hasn’t made immediate full-time work plans, but intends to remain active in educational circles and Longview-area organizations.